The goal: rebuild a reservoir in a suburban neighbourhood while minimizing its mass and visibility. We call this “dissolving the box.”

Conceptual design for this project considered the hydrological and structural engineering requirements of the reservoir, balanced with subtle adjustments that minimize the overall form. These include tapered edges on the structure itself, seemingly random vertical and diagonal striations, and varying the wythe of the walls.

The plans also utilize a landscape screen that creates the opportunity for native planting to climb and reconnect to the surrounding topography. All these design and landscape elements work together not just to disguise a functional structure, but to create something beautiful. The end result will be a reservoir that feels at home in this residential community.